(19)

(11)

EP 1 682 302 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.07.2006 Bulletin 2006/30 (21) Application number: 04781336.5 (22) Date of filing: 17.08.2004

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  B23K 9/173(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2004/026625 (87) International publication number: WO 2005/018863 (03.03.2005 Gazette 2005/09)

(84) Designated Contracting States: ES IT (30) Priority: 18.08.2003 US 495912 P 17.06.2004 US 868888 (71) Applicant: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC. Danbury, CT 06810-5113 (US)	(72) Inventors: NEFF, Jeremy, B. Lockport, NY 14094 (US) LYTTLE, Kevin, A. Williamsville, NY 14221 (US) (74) Representative: Elzaburu Marquez, Alberto  Elzaburu S.A., Miguel Angel, 21 28010 Madrid 28010 Madrid (ES)